The Park University Gilbert men's volleyball team has had a rough go of it in 2024. Many of the players it expected to be on the roster did not end up playing for one reason or another. This left head coach Vince Zanzucchi with a young, undermanned and outgunned team with players playing out of position most of the year. But despite the struggles this season, this team has managed to keep its head held high and play hard every match. Tonight, the Bucs left everything on the floor as they tried to secure its first win of the season in their final match. But it was not to be as the Buccaneers fell to Pacific Union 3-1 (18-25, 20-25, 25-20, 20-25) at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Ariz.

Park Gilbert set a season high for kills in a match with 48. This total was 17 better than their previous high this season. The Bucs also set a season high for assists (44) and digs (61) in the match.

The Buccaneers were the aggressors all night with 148 attacks, 11 more than PUC. That aggressiveness led to more kills, but also led to more errors. The Bucs had 31 attack errors which led to a .115 hitting percentage.

The Bucs were out hit 12-7 in kills in set one, but in sets two and three the Bucs played with the Pioneers, as both teams had 13 kills in set two and the Bucs outhit their opponents from Angwin, Calif., 17-10 in the third frame.

Individually, many Bucs set career highs tonight. David Shafer had 20 kills which is fifth most in school history in a match and a career high. The 20 kills for Shafer also moved him into third place on the Bucs all-time kills list, passing Ben Turcinec. Shafer also had 12 digs which is a career high.

Trevor Ayala had a career day. The sophomore from Gilbert, Ariz., had a career high 13 kills and hit .312 (also a high).

Jake Burdick had a season and career high 42 assists. That total is also seventh best in school history.

Tyler Yu had 15 digs which was a career high in his last match as Buc and is also the third highest total in school history.

Jonah Baich had five blocks which is a career high for the freshman.

The Bucs now move into the offseason where they will look to add pieces to this young team as Zanzucchi looks to rebuild the program.